When I saw the recipe for “Azuki Beans and Winter Squash,” from the October 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times, I decided I was ready to soak some beans! It’s no big deal, really -- just soak them overnight. That requires no energy at all. This bean is described by Epicurious.com as, “A small, dried, russet-colored...

To name a recipe “Tempeh Bourgignon,” is to encourage thoughts of the rich flavors of Burgundy. This recipe, from the November 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, unapologetically uses tempeh as the protein stand-in. I marinated my tempeh and vegetables in a 2007 California Pinot Noir for one hour. It’s always lovely to use herbes de...

I made a very thick, very hearty meal out of the “Tarragon-Turkey Soup,” from Allrecipes.com. I customized this for 6 servings, and enjoyed a soup with many potatoes and bright carrots. Ground turkey is such a pleasure to use. The perfume of the dried tarragon while this cooks is definitely comforting. Is this a good...